Thursday, January 2, 2014

UPDATED: Who will be Galloway's next Mayor & Deputy Mayor?

UPDATED: Don Purdy has been re-elected as Mayor with a 4-2 vote. Gargione and Maldonado cast the dissenting votes. Tony Coppola was unanimously re-elected as Deputy Mayor.

Who would you pick as Galloway's next Mayor or Deputy Mayor? Purdy, Coppola, Tyrrell, Gargione, Maldonado, Meadows or Gorman?Galloway Township Council is scheduled to have their annual re-organization meeting tonight (Jan 2nd) at 6:30 p.m. located at the Municipal Complex. Council-elect Frank Gargione, Robert Maldonado, Timothy Meadows and incumbent-elect Don Purdy will all be sworn in to start their four year (4) term on Galloway Council.Galloway Township Council will select their 2014 Professional Staff as well as select the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Mayor will serve a two (2) year term while the Deputy Mayor will serve for one (1) year.

The question running rampant is, who will Galloway's next Mayor be? Don Purdy has served his term and has been the Mayor for two (2) years since December 2011 when he took over the reigns from former Mayor Keith Hartman. Some have speculated that Purdy has served his years as Mayor while others would like to see him become Mayor again. Discussions and potential deal swapping is most likely being done between all members of Council right up to the time of tonights meeting. Deals of professionals and potential swaying votes for Mayor are most likely at it's all time highest right about now. **Although we note, all debating and discussions are required by Law to done in public at a publicly advertised meeting and not behind closed doors, phones or text messages. At this point, it's anyone's guess who will rise to the top of the list. Councilman Brian Tyrrell has been a name thrown out there as possible candidates for Mayor. Some have said Frank Gargione would be a wise choice since he was the top vote getter above all candidates including incumbent Don Purdy.If you live in Galloway you can watch it all go down tonight on Channel 2 (GTV) starting approximately 6:30 p.m.

I would say the highest tenured Councilman with the most experience, Jim Gorman should be Mayor and the highest vote getter in the election Frank Gargione should be Deputy Mayor and learn from Jim's leadership. But this Council will never be that Bi Partisan.Jim McElwee

I don't think it matters. DP is calling the shots and there is a lot leveraged on him staying in a position of influence. He wants to stay put that's for sure but the bottomline is that whoever it may be will likely just follow suit with Tow Truck Donny's directives, especially if it's one of the newbies. The only hope may be Coppola because I don't think he wants that DP stink on him. He may be able to put thinking for himself aside for a moment and work for the people.

I believe Mr. Purdy as Mayor and Mr. Coppola as Deputy Mayor would be in the Township's best interest. While he might be capable, Mr. Tyrell has not provided the public with publicity that he demonstrates the necessary leadership. Mr. Gargione and Mr. Meadows need to learn the ropes before assuming the leadership position. Mr. Gorman's party lost all four seats which makes it unlikely he would garner sufficient support to gain the appointment; besides, I believe Mr. Gorman's position as the minority party representative to council will enable him to better serve all of the residents as a regular council member, where he can take opposing stands and highlight alternates to those presented by the leadership.

While Mr. Purdy's style of leadership is not everyone's preference, it can be very effective. Going into a second term may provide the opportunity to take some of the rough edges off the style and increase his effectiveness.

We need the continuity of experienced leadership to cover the transition period until a new permanent manager is hired.

Ok, so after watching tonight's council meeting on TV I think I've seen it all. First, I want to say thank you to the new Councilman Robert Maldonado (spelling uncertain), you sir were the only one how had the courage to apologize to the residents of Galloway for the actions of your running mate(s) who went with that horrible campaign.

Second, already the new council - REALLY? you didn't take heed from all the negativity from the last year and you agree to re-appoint the mayor? Come on now, WE elected you to stand up for US not play political friend making.

I ask you (residents) to obtain a copy of the meeting, and listen to the mayor speak. Every single reference which he is involved with started out with "ME and ...." If that doesn't speak volumes of WHAT we are forced to deal with, then you need to look closer. ME ME ME, that has been what this whole "need" to be mayor has been about. Do NOT let anyone fool you, it's clear, if you're a supporter, then you too shall benefit from this.

Next, I thought one of the newly elected councilmen was a previous planning board member, which resigned because he opened a 3rd business. So you don't have time for the planning board, but you have time for council?

How about you return to Lenox China with your huge binder of "how to effectively terminate employees" The largest employer Galloway Township ever had, and we have one of the people who helped close their doors telling us how great he's going to be for council?

So, who's the next manager, I know who it won't be. It won't be Tom Henshaw, who was the best thing which ever happened to this township, but he didn't allow his strings to be pulled by the talking heads up on the dais.

Let's see who the next political appointment is going to be. I'm betting you'll have be shocked (eyeroll).

Here I thought I was the only one who happened to notice the mayor speak like a third grader. Proper English ___________ and I, not Me and __________. The other person always comes first, then add your name at the end.

Funny, I recall the whole planning board thing now that it has been mentioned. Perhaps, it's more complicated that just common observations? You know, as in, planning board doesn't offer the perks council does.

Our "mayor" should step down. Oh, and before anyone suggests, no I am NOT the publisher hiding under the Anonymous cover of this site. But she's right on in her reporting. The sad thing is they all know it too.

This is a text book case of someone who Bought his seat on council $45,000 at last count. Then leaned heavily on those who wanted the Mayor's seat. Rumors abound that Dr. Tyrrell tried to win support for the nomination but was told Purdy would come after him with a personally damaging smear campaign just like he did with his Democratic challenger. To reseat a councilman named in at least 3 lawsuits, 2 ethic violation investigations, and numerous conflicts of interest complaints is despicable. But the voters have spoken. Be careful what you wish for!

"Brian Tyrrell has been a name thrown out there as possible candidates...." LOL I cannot believe for one minute that ANYONE ever mentioned Tyrell, that cannot be true. That guy, allegedly a PhD of Hospitality and Tourism (or some goof ball patronage title) at Stockton has never, ever said one original thing about anything. I don't know him except for his stupid quotes in the paper usually following that other "professor" Israel Possner, the lowest rated Professor at Stockton according to several web sites BTW...Anyhow Tyrell is like the flunky in my office that always repeats what has already been said and tries to sound articulate and smart, we all know a Tyrell / Possner don't we? Mayor???? I don't think so, even in Galloway.

Maldonado is the wild card on this current council. I think things are going to get very interesting with a guy who has the cojones to be a free thinker rather than be a sitting drone falling in line with the others as he's told. My gut tells me that the people finally have a true advocate on that council in the form of Robert Maldonado.